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I really like this filter. It has a lot of filter media capacity and requires very little maintenance. Theirs is only two things that I would change on this filter if I could. 1) I would make the clamps that hold the top motor assembly on to the canister easier to use. These things are hard to open and close, but you won’t have to use them often. And 2) Hagen overstates the recommend flow rate and aquarium size related for this filter (at least in my opinion ). If you were to reduce these in ˝ you would have a good fit. I would not use this on a tank larger than 65 gallons.

Reliable, well made, quiet, and plenty of room for a wide range of filter media.

Cons:

Hoses are not very flexible and it's hard to connect other hoses to them.

I've been using Fluvals for years and had two of the 405's filtering a hundred gallon tank. They did a great job but I had to rig a spray bar to the outflow to get the current down. The outflow nozzle that comes with the filter didn't allow for any spray adjustment, all you can do is adjust the flow rate at the cannister. And while I was never thrilled with the hoses (would prefer a filter that worked with standard clear tubing), the filter itself was a real work horse and very quiet too. I've had one of the earlier models running almost continuously for about 5 years and have never had a problem with it. The 05 series is easier to prime and easier to open and close than the earlier versions. It also has an easy flow shut off that allows you to disconnect without losing your siphon - handy when it is time to clean your media. If you are looking for a reliable filter that will perform quietly for years on end without a hiccup this will do it.

------------------------------Why do people always scream when I'm driving?

i find the older 304 to be real scary to prime. Will it work will it start up again
I like the Rena on my other tank much better
I panic every time it is time to service that 304
I also find that these Fluval filters are powerful, and just having a 304 on a 75 gallon tank produces a borderline overly powerful current in the tank ... I agree that this filter could use a spray bar to deal with that powerful jet of water problem ... I can't imagine using the 400 series model on a 75 gallon, because even that 300 series seems like a bit much.

I think this is a good performing filter and it seems very solid and probably would run for years and years (I got it second hand when I bought a tank from someone). But that priming thing is always scary

Trillianne*insert witty title*

Registered: April 2010Location: Seattle Side of the MountainsPosts: 2503

Upgraded to the 405 when we bought a 65G tank and its been very solid and reliable. If you take the time to get the air out of the filter when you set it up and after cleaning its very quiet. There is quite a bit of media room, so adding additional media is simple and easy.

Hoses are a bit stiff and are ribbed, which after cleaning the filter and restarting you will see a significant amount of gunk buildup come from your hoses if you do not clean them as well.

It is a good filter very powerfull, but it leaks water everywhere as the lid does not seem to seal properly. My carpet has been soaked three times now and I dread having to clean it. Although the seal is very good the lid does not seem to seal properly and it leaks water all the time. Any ideas anybody.
How long can the fish be safe without the filter working?

I have had this filter with my new Fluval designer aquarium which is a 90 gallon corner tank. It is a little nosier than my 205 on my other Fluval tank. It keeps the water clear and the flow is exellent. The hoses are a little stiff but not horribly stiff. It is easy to clean. I used to have hang on back filters and after having Fluval canisters I would never go back. Great filter for a decent price. I don't know about the primer I have a drilled bottom on my tank so priming has never been an issue.

My good friend of my let me borrow this filter before purchasing a canister of my own. I love the fact that the media is so customizable and how quiet the unit it. Installation can be a bit confusing at first but otherwise not to bad. One of the major drawbacks is that the quick release valve for the in and out hose closes the flow as it unlocks it causing a bit of water to leak if you dont do it fast enough.

Probably best to take their capcity recommendations with a pinch of salt

I've used this on a 500 litre tank in combination with a few other filters. I was overall very pleased with the filter as it was a budget choice but performed adequately. The adjustable flow is good, although perhaps not as strong as they promise.

Overall it was very easy to maintain and did not require a lot of cleaning out or adjusting which is good as the clips to open the thing can be tricky. At times I thought they might break, but luckily they did not. The capacity for filter media is good and I liked the sectioned cages/boxes.